A Creative Sanctuary in the Capital: Inside Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid

During my stay in Madrid, I set out to uncover the most exquisite hotels the city has to offer. What I discovered at Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid was personality, playfulness, and poise wrapped into a 19th-century mansion. Tucked away in the hip Salesas neighborhood near Chueca and Paseo de Recoletos, this stylish escape merges high design with heartwarming hospitality. And yes, I fell for it immediately.

As I walked in, I was struck by one of the hotel’s most refreshing features: light. Natural light streams through oversized windows and glass-paneled ceilings, creating an open, airy ambiance that blurs the lines between indoor opulence and Madrid’s streetside charm. Even inside, it feels like the city is still swirling around you.

Interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán’s vision for the hotel is a spirited departure from the expected. It’s a place where mismatched decor becomes harmonious. No two spaces are alike, yet every hallway, lounge, and corner works together like chapters in a beautifully eccentric novel.

There’s the Platos Room, an immersive space lined floor-to-ceiling with porcelain blue-and-white plates encased in glass. Nearby, an elevator cloaked in bookshelves turns a mundane ride into a literary escape. Hall Rojo boasts crimson cabinetry filled with intricate sketches and art pieces, while whimsical architectural features—like doorways framed with vintage suitcases—invite you to expect the unexpected at every turn.

Each area has its own identity, and yet there’s an overarching elegance that ties it all together. It’s theatrical but not overwhelming, refined yet imaginative—a curated chaos that’s surprisingly calming.

We stayed in the Superior Room, which overlooked Barquillo Street and the historic Santa Isabel Theatre. One of my favorite aspects was the view—watching locals stroll by added a lovely sense of connection to the city just beyond our window. The room itself was elegant, bright, and welcoming, with thoughtful design touches that made it the ideal place to unwind and make the most of our time in Madrid.

Room service was a highlight. The Margherita pizza arrived hot, its crust crisp and airy, and the Club Sandwich was a classic done right. It’s the kind of indulgence that’s worth staying in for.

Let’s talk about breakfast—because here, it’s not bound by the clock. One of the most charming aspects of Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is its 24-hour à la carte breakfast offering. Yes, you can have scrambled eggs at midnight or churros with hot chocolate at 3 p.m. without judgment. It’s a thoughtful touch that speaks to the hotel’s guest-first mentality.

We enjoyed the daily breakfast buffet in the Platos Room, where the ambiance was just as memorable as the food. Delicate pastries, mini sandwiches, Spanish charcuterie, and a generous helping of churros made for mornings we actually looked forward to.

Exceptional hospitality often comes down to the people—and here, the concierge team deserves its own standing ovation. Whether helping us book museum tours or offering last-minute dining recommendations, their local knowledge and kindness elevated our stay. Every interaction felt intentional and personalized, a rarity in even the most polished properties.

Dining at Only YOU Boutique is more than a meal—it’s an experience. The hotel houses Celicioso, Madrid’s most complete gluten-free restaurant, where the menu is both health-conscious and satisfying. Meanwhile, YOUNIQUE Arts Club blends contemporary art and elevated cuisine in a space that hosts exhibitions by emerging artists. It’s a place where Madrid’s culture literally hangs on the walls.

The Padrino Cocktail Bar, once a bookshop, serves as the hotel’s stylish speakeasy. With moody lighting and layered flavors, it’s where cocktails become conversations and the night lingers a little longer.

On the first floor lies the Thai Room Wellness, a holistic haven inspired by Southeast Asian traditions. Their expert Thai masseurs combine ancient techniques like Ayurvedic therapy, Chinese acupressure, and Balinese massage for a rejuvenating reset. It’s not just spa service—it’s a full sensory experience that includes silk wraps, Thai harp music, and herbal teas that truly do the trick.

Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is a triumph in storytelling. It’s a hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and yet somehow achieves excellence in every detail—from design to service to the very spirit of the place. It’s one of those rare finds that offers both escape and immersion.

In a city brimming with richness, Only YOU stands apart not by being the grandest—but by being the most thoughtfully unexpected. For travelers who crave elegance with a wink, comfort with a twist, and discovery around every corner, this is the place to be.